Including everyone: Swimwear is being reinvented to flatter all body types

Today's swimsuits come in a variety of styles and cuts to suit all women. Photo: AFP

Shopping for a swimsuit can be a source of stress for many women, and for good reason. Until a few years ago, it was rare to find designs that covered or simply flattered all body types.

But specialist brands, just like the ready-to-wear giants, have begun to change, enabling women – all women – to feel beautiful and comfortable on the beach or by the pool.

More than two-thirds of French women (67%) say they feel uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit on the beach, which is a source of stress and anxiety for many of them, reports a recent survey conducted by Ifop for Flashs and Voyageavecnous.fr.

It's a situation not unconnected to the norms and expectations surrounding the summer body, that famous perfect body that women should supposedly flaunt on the warm sand, and the swimwear offer that followed just a few years ago.

But times are changing, with brands striving to meet their customers' needs through more diverse shapes, cuts and models.

This has been amplified by the emergence of new brands founded by more conscious celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, which have paved the way for greater inclusivity.

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Flattering all bodies

Bandeau, triangle or balconnet? Briefs, thong or tanga? A few years ago, there weren't so many options when it came to choosing a swimsuit for the beach.

But those days are over, since it's now possible to choose from all kinds of styles, better suited to the diversity of women's bodies.

Leading swimwear brands such as Darjeeling, Triumph and Aubade offer swimsuits tailored to larger chests, with underwired triangle cups or deeper cups, and (very) high-waisted briefs and short-style bottoms, often inspired by shapewear, to support and sculpt without compromising on style.

But it was Kim Kardashian who paved the way for greater diversity with the launch, just over a year ago, of her first Skims swimwear collection.

Minimalist in style, the wide range of products is truly inclusive, with not only traditional bikinis and one-pieces – themselves available in several versions, including a long-sleeved model – but also all-in-one suits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts and even swim sarongs.

And we're not talking about simple beachwear, but pieces actually designed for swimming, sunbathing or chilling.

There's something to suit everyone.

As a result, other brands – both emerging and established – have followed suit.

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Today, women can find swimwear to suit their needs, body types, tastes and desires, all without having to compromise on style, and that's an important detail.

From giants like Etam to specialists like Youswim and Kaly Ora, brands have redesigned some of their models, integrated stretch fabrics, or proposed more covering cuts to enable women to enjoy aquatic activities with comfort and confidence.

Including everyone

Long overlooked, women who have undergone a mastectomy can now also access swimwear adapted to their needs without having to go to specialised boutiques.

This is thanks to mainstream brands such as Etam and Maison Finou, which now offer models designed for post-operative wear, featuring pockets for prostheses. As such, everyone can enjoy a summer of comfort, serenity and freedom.